If you spend a lot of time playing online computer games or writing podcasts for YouTube, then you can’t do without a microphone. Separate devices of this plan can be called atypical for the average user, because voice recording capabilities are already included in webcams, headphones and other related peripherals.
An independent and good microphone for a computer with clear sound is needed for advanced bloggers, streamers and people with a certain profession, such as call center operators, online teachers, etc. Such gadgets are especially necessary for those who write music at home, and where sound quality is a critical factor. In general, there are many use cases, but the problem remains the same: how to choose a good microphone for a computer?
Today's market can offer a huge number of options, as they say, for every taste and color. But not every model is worth its money and fulfills it to the fullest. And if advanced users are still at least somewhat oriented in the presented assortment, then beginners shrug their hands and ask a quite natural question: which microphone for a computer is good and which is bad and what should I look at?
And if in specialized stores consultants with proper literacy prompt, tell and show, then in the notorious networkers such as “Eldorado” or “Mvideo” you have to rely only on yourself. Otherwise, some trash can be “boiled up” for the next promotion.
So, let's try to figure out which microphone for the computer (for recording) is better than the other, why and what to look for at the time of purchase. We also give some of the most popular and effective models that have distinguished themselves by balanced characteristics and a lot of positive feedback from users.
Difficulty choosing
Before choosing your best microphone for a computer, we will determine the types, manufacturers and classify all models according to critical criteria. They must be taken into account at the time of purchase.
Type of connection
Devices can be connected both via a linear input and through a USB interface. The first option is preferable for professional users, because you can configure audio in more detail on it. Well, a sound card in this case is required.
A headset with a good microphone for a computer with a USB connection comes with its own audio chip. The latter is enough for ordinary processing of sound, but to record high-quality and clean vocals, its capabilities are no longer enough. But USB devices can work without a sound card.
Microphone type
There are capacitor and dynamic devices. The former found their application in the hands of professionals and are great for recording vocals and ordinary voices. Dynamic models have a simple design and are durable, as well as low cost, in contrast to capacitor devices.
Directivity
Non-directional models capture all the sounds around, while directional models only from a certain area. In the latter case, you can completely get rid of extraneous noise, but then you can’t get away from the computer while talking on the microphone.
Sound pressure
Here we have the maximum decibel level that the device can process without aberration. If you plan to create something loud and bass, then you should take a closer look at models from 120 dB. Otherwise, users on the other end of the wire will hear only part of the track where one line muffles the other.
Sensitivity
This is the opposite of the previous parameter characteristic, indicating the minimum volume level that the device can recognize. If you often speak in a whisper or record some specific tracks, be sure to pay special attention to this moment. The best microphones for the computer have a sensitivity of up to 30 or 20 dB.
Manufacturers
If we are talking about some kind of professional sphere of application of such devices, where compromises are excluded in principle, then such brands as Sennheiser, Marshall, Polk Audio and other venerable companies are at your service. They produce the best microphones for computers and other audio equipment of exceptional quality.
As for other models with more or less mundane price tags, the following brands can be distinguished among other manufacturers:
- Blue Microphones.
- Sven.
- Defender.
- "Genius."
- Logitech.
- Hama.
- Plantronics.
- Shure
In the assortment of these companies you can find both good budget microphones for the computer, as well as more interesting devices of the mid-price and premium sectors. Other manufacturers that are not on our list can also find smart models, but here you already need to carefully study each series and study reviews on specialized forums.
Next, consider the best microphone for a computer that can be found in the domestic market. For convenience, the list will be organized as a rating.
The rating of the best microphones is as follows:
- Blue Yeti Pro.
- Sennheiser ME 2-US.
- GreenBean VoiceHead VH2 flesh S-Jack.
- Plantronics Audio 300.
- Defender MIC-112.
Consider the participants in more detail.
Defender MIC-112
This is an inexpensive desktop microphone with a flexible loop, which is mounted on a rigid and specially weighted stand. For a high-quality recording, this device, of course, is not suitable, but for games and communication on Skype, that's it.
Users mostly respond positively about the model, and for its price, it does not have any critical flaws. Of course, many domestic consumers are primarily attracted by the cost of the microphone and brand, and unlike other budget models, this turned out to be surprisingly high-quality.
Microphone Benefits:
- attractive price tag;
- clear sound without any noise;
- good set of software filters;
- comfortable and stable stand;
- the loop bends in any direction.
Disadvantage - sometimes a slight hissing slip during communication.
The approximate cost of the model is about 200 rubles.
Plantronics Audio 300
This is a desktop model with a very original and attractive appearance. The microphone performed well in instant messengers and game chats. Many users also use it to record voices and organize presentations. It is not suitable for creating serious podcasts or vocals, but the cost of this does not imply.
Users respond very warmly about this model and find it perfectly balanced in terms of price and quality. More or less serious things can be recorded with it, but only if subsequent processing of the tracks is carried out.
Pluses of model:
- good sensitivity;
- noise reduction system;
- clear sound at the output;
- does not conflict with other peripherals;
- stable stand;
- attractive appearance;
- more than adequate cost.
Minus - sometimes phonite with the speakers turned on.
Estimated price of the model is about 500 rubles.
GreenBean VoiceHead VH2 flesh S-Jack
This is a head microphone with an ergonomic and practical mount, which is easy to adapt to you, so that you will not feel any discomfort during use. Despite the tiny size of the condenser capsule, the model boasts a wide frequency range, as well as sensitivity.
Judging by user reviews, the microphone performed very well when recording video and vocals. The latter, however, will still need at least minimal processing. As for instant messengers and game chats, everything is just fine here.
Advantages of the model:
- high quality sound output;
- ergonomic mount with a slim fit;
- very high-quality assembly and reliable cable;
- the kit includes an adapter for a 3.5 mm mini-jack.
The disadvantage is that the cable is a bit short for rear-mount system type systems with a rear connection.
The approximate cost of the model is about 2000 rubles.
Sennheiser ME 2-US
This is one of the best lapel microphones for your computer from a reputable manufacturer with the appropriate price tag. The model is compact in size, but this does not wave it to give out an excellent sound, which massive desktop devices envy.
A condenser microphone is connected to the computer via a line input and is firmly fixed to the audio card with a special nut. The option with the usual 3.5 mm mini-jack is also possible, but in this case the adapter will have to be purchased separately.
Users are very positive about this model. She is good in almost everything, and she simply does not have any shortcomings in terms of recording. The only thing consumers sometimes complain about is a short one and a half meter cable, which may not be enough for outdoor desktops with a rear connection.
Pluses of model:
- high-quality recording, including professional level;
- wide frequency range;
- good sensitivity;
- small dimensions along with convenience.
Minus - the cable is short in some cases.
Estimated price of the model is about 4000 rubles.
Blue yeti pro
This is a serious studio-class device, and it can be safely called one of the best in its segment. Despite the fact that the microphone is “tuned” to work with “apple” desktops, it also feels really good in the Windows environment.
Three sensible capacitor capsules are hidden inside the case, working with the ADC on hardware and software control. Due to this, the output is a digitized sound of exceptional quality. It is also worth noting the presence of a dynamic radiation pattern, that is, a transition from an omnidirectional to a cardioid, and along the way there is an opportunity to activate stereo mode.
Professionals leave completely positive feedback about the model. The device is multifunctional, universal and practical, especially if you need sound of exceptional quality at the output.
Advantages of the model:
- very high quality recording;
- dynamic radiation pattern;
- full output to monitor headphones;
- stereo mode;
- attractive appearance.
The disadvantage is that there may be some problems with the drivers on the Windows platform.
The approximate cost of the model is about 23,000 rubles.